Taco Bell Taking Shape

McKENZIE (May 26) — The walls are up and the new Taco Bell in McKenzie is starting to take shape at the former location of Old West Steakhouse. On May 15, Component Builders, Inc. of Mooreville, MS, delivered lumber to the site. By Memorial Day, despite many days of rain in the forecast, construction crews from MSB Construction out of Jackson, Tenn., had the basic structure of the restaurant in place.

The franchise, owned by Kari Keller of Pacific Bells, LLC, is located at 15895 Highland Drive.

The McKenzie Planning Commission approved the site plan and construction of the new Taco Bell in December 2024, allowing for the demolition of the Old West Steakhouse building.

Before demolition could begin, on January 7, 2025, the Old West Steakhouse was completely destroyed by fire. The blaze resulted in a total loss of the building’s contents and structure, with early estimates placing the property loss at $193,800 and the losses of contents at approximately $150,000.

Following the TBI’s investigation, the real estate was released for development once again.